A group of six men blocked their path. The larger of the men pointed his gun at King. “Hand him over,” he snarled.

  King subtly moved his body, and Leo recognized it for what it was. He was taking a fighting stance. “Come and get him.”

  “What? Are you crazy?” Surely King could see they were outnumbered. Before Leo knew what the hell was going on, King had shoved the gun at him.

  “Shoot anyone who tries to touch you.”

  Leo’s protest died on his lips as the men charged King. He took several steps back, and tried to take aim, but he was too scared of hitting King, seeing as Captain America decided he was going to fend off six guys at once. Leo had grown up around soldiers all his life. He’d seen them train but never seen any of them in action. He’d certainly never seen a Green Beret fight. It was incredible and frightening at the same time. There was no holding back, each move made to cause as much pain as possible, each move designed to take out his enemy—a punch to the solar plexus, a jab to the throat, a kick to the side of a knee. King clapped his hands hard against one guy’s head over his ears, and the man screamed before falling over. The sound of bones breaking, snapping, bodies hitting the ground in a bloodied heap had Leo’s stomach churning.

  With four on the ground, King ducked under one guy’s punch, and when he came up brought his palm up with him, striking the guy under his chin. The blows reverberated through the room, and Leo stood frozen as the last guy hit the floor in a lifeless heap. Wiping blood from his nose like it was nothing, King marched over to Leo, took the gun out of his hand, grabbed his wrist, and hauled him toward the exit.

  “We’ll talk about it later,” King said, not even sounding breathless.

  What was Leo supposed to say to that? “Sure, how about we find the nearest Starbucks, you buy me a Strawberry Acai Lemonade Refresher and then tell me about all the dead guys.”

  “If you have a better way of dealing with trained mercenaries sent to kidnap you, by all means please share.”

  “Sarcasm? Really?” Leo asked, throwing King’s words back at him.

  “Come on, smart guy.” King pulled Leo in front of him and gave him a gentle push when they reached the stairs.

  With a grumble, Leo climbed until they reached the top. King squeezed in next to him and entered his security code into the panel, then opened it up so the system could scan his retina and finger. The door clicked, and King carefully opened it, keeping Leo behind him. It was chilly out, but not enough for them to look out of place due to their lack of outerwear.

  “Where are we?” Leo asked, looking around and seeing nothing but trees and water. The door they’d come out of was several feet away from the rest of the building, in the ground, and concealed by grass and shrubbery.

  “According to the evac plan, that street there should be Memorial Parkway, so if we make a right at the end of it onto South 3rd Street, then Laurel Street and a left onto River Street, the Boathouse Marina won’t be far. We’re looking at roughly a five-minute walk.”

  “What’s at the Boathouse Marina?”

  King’s expression was oh so serious when he answered, “Boats.”

  “Has anyone informed you, you’re a sarcastic ass sometimes?”

  “Me? I’m a fluffy bunny, remember?”

  “The words fluffy and bunny should never be used in reference to you. I’ve certainly never said the words fluffy nor bunny.”

  “What words would you use to describe me, then?” King led him down Memorial Parkway toward the side of the street lined with trees. “Keep in mind I killed nine guys for you.”

  “Wow. You just threw that out there, huh? What do you do for your second date? Take down a small dictatorship?”

  “Date? Is that what that was?” King moved Leo to his left, so he was protected by the trees and King. “I was thinking along the lines of dinner and a movie, but if taking down a small dictatorship is what does it for you, I can oblige. Not sure what I can do for our third date to top that.”

  Leo stopped in his tracks and turned to poke King in the chest. “You know, you’re not cute.”

  King’s smug smile shouldn’t have given Leo butterflies in his stomach, but it did. “Told you.”

  With a frustrated grunt, Leo stormed off, ignoring King’s amused chuckle.

  “You shouldn’t tease like that,” Leo grumbled when King ran in front of him and stopped him, his brows drawn together in concern.

  “Wait a second. You’re upset.”

  Leo crossed his arms over his chest, grunting petulantly. “No.”

  “Why are you mad? Is it because of what I said about killing those guys? I’m sorry, I guess my sense of humor can be a little dark, though most people would argue I don’t actually have a sense of humor.”

  “I don’t know what it says about me, but that’s not why I’m mad.”

  King’s frown deepened. Realization seemed to dawn on him, and his expression grew dark. “You’re mad about the whole date thing.”

  Leo shrugged, his gaze off to the side. “It’s not so easy for some of us, you know? We can’t bench-press ponies or put together an explosive device with a paper clip and gum wrapper.”

  “I can’t do that. That would be Red and Jack.”

  Leo arched an eyebrow at him. It was good to know King wasn’t perfect, especially with his urge to strangle the man. If he could even wrap his hands around the man’s thick neck.

  “I’m sorry.” King cupped Leo’s cheek. “What makes you think I was teasing you?”

  “Um, have you seen you?”

  “I have,” King replied, turning and starting to walk away. He stopped, and with a sigh, Leo caught up to him. “I’m not the catch you seem to think I am, and before you argue with me, I’ll once again remind you I just killed nine men, and I won’t lose sleep over it either.”

  They headed down Laurel Street, sticking close to the trees on the brick path. It was quiet, not a soul around at this time of night. Leo would have jumped at every shadow that moved were King not with him.

  “That doesn’t make you a bad person.”

  “You’re right. It makes me a fucked-up person. That’s fine. I made peace with my demons long ago.”

  “What?” Leo grabbed King’s arm and stopped him. “You’re not fucked-up. Those guys were going to kidnap me and send me who the fuck knows where, and then torture me, or who knows. You didn’t just risk your life for me; you saved me. Those weren’t good men. I’m not the morality police here, and I’m not about to judge a guy, but when they accepted money to destroy another human being, they have no one to blame but themselves when the consequences come to bite them on the ass.”

  “Some of those men could have been desperate, families to take care of.”

  “So mercenary and kidnapper are the only options? Bullshit.” Leo cupped King’s face and met his gaze. “You’re not like them, so stop it.”

  King turned away from him and started walking again. “You know what I was doing before your father approached me about coming here to help?”

  “What?”

  “I was in London. Hunting a man. I spent weeks doing surveillance and reconnaissance on this guy. Finally I followed him home, tortured him, and forced him to come back with me to the US, then handed him over to the FBI. Your dad was waiting for me on the tarmac.”

  Leo glanced at King as they walked. “There’s way more to that story than you’re telling me. Who was the guy? I’m guessing you didn’t turn him over to the FBI for jaywalking. He did something to you.” No, that wasn’t King. “He did something to someone you care about.”

  “He hurt someone I’ve come to consider family.”

  “And?”

  “He hurt a lot of other young men.”

  Leo didn’t need King to explain what that meant. “So he got away with it, was in London, and you convinced him to turn himself in.”

  “By torturing him.”

  “I’m sorry, am I supposed to feel bad for him? Sounds to me like the guy was a fucking rapist and should have had his dick ripped off and fed to the sharks.”

  King stopped walking and stared at him. “That was… surprising.”

  “Why? The man was a monster, and if you hadn’t stopped him, who knows when it would have ended. Am I supposed to see you as some kind of psychopath vigilante, because as far as I’m concerned, you’re a hero.”

  “No,” King snapped, thrusting a finger at him. “You get that idea out of your head right fucking now. I’ve killed and hurt people. I am not a hero.”

  Leo could be just as stubborn. “You are to me, so you’re out of luck there, soldier.”

  King looked like he had a few choice words for Leo but smartly decided to keep them to himself. They were almost to the boathouse when King’s phone rang. He quickly picked up.

  “Yeah? And you expect me to believe that?”

  Leo stayed where he was as King walked off to growl quietly at whoever was on the other end of the phone. It was most likely Bowers. Leo couldn’t hear what King was saying, but whatever it was, was not pretty. A couple of minutes passed before King hung up and headed back to him.

  “Come on.”

  “We’re going back?”

  “The bunker has been secured.”

  “Are you kidding me?” Leo stopped in his tracks. “I’m not going back there. What? They just expect me to sit at my bullet-ridden workstation and pretend none of that happened? I can’t work there, King. Even if the situation is contained, that place was supposed to be a top-secret location. Whoever sent those men knows I’m there. You think they won’t try again? What about the innocent people working in the building? The ones who have no idea they’re sitting on a landmine? If something happens to them because of me, I won’t be able to live with myself.”

  “Okay, okay,” King soothed, taking hold of his arms and running his hands over them until Leo let out the breath he hadn’t realized he’d been holding. “Do you need to be in the same room with the analysts to work on the project?”

  “No. Anything pertinent shows up on my system. It’s just for security.” He scrunched up his nose. “So much for that.”

  “What about the computer you’re creating the project on. Does it have to be the one in the bunker?”

  Leo shook his head. “I use a system I created called Jarvis. It’s also installed on my laptop and computer at home. I installed it on the computer at the bunker. I’m the only one who can access it.”

  King seemed to consider his words. “Do you live in a house or an apartment?”

  Leo’s brows shot up. “I’m sorry?”

  “Your home, Leo. Tell me about where you live.”

  “Um, I live in a condo on the west coast of Florida.”

  “Where?”

  “Indian Shores. On the beach.”

  “What floor is your apartment on?”

  “The fifth and sixth floors. There’s only six floors and eight apartments in the whole building.”

  “So you’re at the top. Private beach?”

  “Yes.”

  King handed Leo the black phone he’d been given. “Show me.”

  “Sure.” Leo first checked the phone’s connection was secure—because fuck Bowers—and brought up his condo, then handed the phone back to King, who inspected the double screen containing the map of Leo’s condo and the floor plans.

  “Perfect. Let’s go.”

  “I thought we weren’t heading back in?”

  “We’re not.” King put the phone to his ear. “Meet us outside the evac exit.” He hung up, and when they arrived at the door that led to the bunker, Bowers was there waiting for them.

  “Wait here,” King said, leaving him a few feet away to meet Bowers, not that Leo wouldn’t be able to hear them from here. Well, unless they whispered.

  What was going on? Baffled, he stood back, tapping his fingers against his leg as he waited. Their muffled voices soon turned into angry growls. Unable to keep his curiosity at bay, Leo silently moved a little closer. Bowers hissed furiously at King, whose stoic expression gave nothing away.

  “Are you out of your fucking mind?”

  “Do you want this project done or not?”

  “You really think I’m going to let that kid out of my sight? Do you realize what would happen if anyone got wind of what he was working on or what he’s capable of?”

  “Which is why we’ll take every precaution necessary to keep him safe. That’s why you’re here, right? Leo isn’t comfortable in this environment, especially now.”

  “Not comfortable?” Bowers’s face went up in flames. “Do you have any idea how much this project is costing? What we’re in the middle of here?” King opened his mouth, only to be cut off by Bowers. “Of course you don’t, and do you know why? Because you’re nothing but a glorified nanny. You were brought in to make the de Loughreys happy and cooperative. You’re here to make him chocolate milk and tuck him in so he can do his fucking job. So why don’t you go back downstairs, continue your little slumber party, and stop pretending you’re anything more than what you are.” Bowers leaned in to King and poked him in the shoulder, his growl menacing. “Dispensable.”

  Leo balled his hands into fists at his sides. That no-good son of a bitch! How dare he talk to King like that!

  King’s eyes narrowed. “Yes, Washington made that very clear when what was left of my unit and I returned home.”

  “Maybe you should have done a better job leading.”

  “Fuck you,” Leo spat out as he marched over to stand beside King, aware of King’s stunned expression. “How dare you be so disrespectful! You should be ashamed of yourself.” He was so angry he was practically bouncing. “This man sacrificed for our country, for you, and you’re going to treat him like shit?” Leo stepped up to Bowers, his eyes narrowed and his voice a low growl. “You say one more disparaging remark against him, and I’m done. Good luck telling your superiors that you screwed up their top-secret project. Now pack up my shit, because I’m going home.”

  Bowers stared at him before letting out a harsh laugh. “Are you fucking kidding me? You really think I’m going to let you go anywhere?”

  Leo crossed his arms over his chest and arched an eyebrow. “That’s fine. I’ll wait while you call up your boss and explain why I refuse to work. Don’t forget to mention that little detail regarding your super-secret squirrel bunker being breached.”

  “You think I won’t find someone else?’ Bowers took a step toward Leo, but King placed himself between them, shielding Leo. Bowers leaned around him, thrusting a finger at Leo. “When I do, I’ll throw your ass in a hole where no one will find you.”

  Leo smirked at him. “Go ahead.” He motioned to the bunker around them. “Because I’m sure all this is for a guy you could easily replace.” He folded his arms over his chest again and grinned smugly. “You’re screwed, and you know it. Now if you want your program, you’re going to put together a team, move me back into my apartment, and behave like a good little suit.”

  Bowers was a volcano ready to blow. One more prod from Leo, and the guy would erupt black smoke and lava. What was wrong with Leo? He’d never been so bold. Provoking the schoolyard bully was never a good idea, but damn if he didn’t feel invincible. Was it because he knew King would protect him, keep him safe? Or because he was getting tired of being pushed around. At the same time, he didn’t want to do anything that would put King in harm’s way more than he’d already done. Leo let out a sigh and addressed Bowers.

  “Look, we both want the same thing. You want your project, and I want my life back. I can’t work here. I’ve been telling you that from the beginning, and it’s not because I’m trying to be a pain in your ass. I can’t, especially now. You’ve read my file. I’m not trying to be difficult. It’s the way I’m wired. Get me home, and I’ll get it done.”

  Bowers seemed to be mulling over Leo’s words, when King cleared his throat.

  “I also want to bring my team in on this.” Before Bowers could protest, King held up a hand to stop him. “I want to keep Leo safe as much as you do, and quite frankly, I don’t trust you or your organization. Your black site was breached. You have a traitor in your midst.”

  “Excuse me?” Bowers fumed.

  “Cut the bullshit, Bowers. How else do you think they got in there? My men are all former Special Forces, which might mean shit to you, but security is our business, and had we been in charge, you bet your ass that clusterfuck would never have happened. I want my guys in the building.”

  “Anything else I can do for you?” Bowers asked sweetly. “Would you like me to serve you breakfast in bed? Make you an ice cream sundae? Rub your feet?”

  Leo narrowed his eyes. “How would you feel about sucking—”

  King slapped a hand over Leo’s mouth and crushed Leo against his side. “Just do it, Bowers.”

  With a low growl and several curses, Bowers reached into his pocket, pulled out a set of keys, and tossed them at King. “Behind the church across the street. Get in the back and wait. I’ll send a driver.” With that he stalked off and disappeared through the bunker door.

  King looked down at Leo. “You going to behave yourself?”

  Leo narrowed his eyes, and King gave him a pointed look. Fine. He nodded, and King removed his hand.

  “That guy’s an asshole,” Leo growled. “Don’t think I’m going to forget what he said to you. Let’s see how he likes it when he wakes up in the morning and finds himself with several gay porn site subscriptions. His inbox will be flooded with so many wieners he’ll have to change his name to Oscar Mayer.”

  King blinked at him before throwing his head back and laughing, the sound was booming and made Leo smile. He threw an arm around Leo’s shoulder and led him across the street to the vehicle behind the church. “Looks like you’re going home.”

  The words sank in, and a wave of happiness washed over Leo. Before he knew what he was doing, he threw his arms around King and hugged him.

  “Thank you.”

  A heartbeat later, King returned the embrace, somewhat awkwardly—like he wasn’t accustomed to hugging or something—but that just made Leo’s heart swell all the more because this wasn’t the first time King had held him.